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Helga
Helga is not the obedient science experiment her father intended. And though she has only just awoken, he leaves her in the care of his lab assistant Penny to go on a business trip.
Bursting with curiosity, Helga quickly escapes from the well-meaning Penny and heads into Amaris City. There Helga finds she is as untamable as the invasive blackberry vines overtaking the island. And because of the misdeeds of her father’s scientific community, the natural world grows more volatile.
Helga soon discovers the night market, rowdy clubs, delicious food, and cute boys. Enamored with city life, she’ll do anything to find love―but she has only two weeks until her father gets back, and besides there are ominous rumblings from the volcanic island that could put her dating schemes, and even her own life, in grave peril.
Bursting with curiosity, Helga quickly escapes from the well-meaning Penny and heads into Amaris City. There Helga finds she is as untamable as the invasive blackberry vines overtaking the island. And because of the misdeeds of her father’s scientific community, the natural world grows more volatile.
Helga soon discovers the night market, rowdy clubs, delicious food, and cute boys. Enamored with city life, she’ll do anything to find love―but she has only two weeks until her father gets back, and besides there are ominous rumblings from the volcanic island that could put her dating schemes, and even her own life, in grave peril.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published August 20, 2024
5 people are currently reading
4835 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Yu
5 books117 followersCatherine Yu writes dark speculative fiction. Her debut YA novel DIREWOOD will be published September 20th, 2022 by Page Street Publishing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 12, 2024
if you told me "what's the most fun thing about a gender-bent YA retelling of frankenstein in which the monster is a teenage girl with a crush," i doubt i would have been like, "the world." but it's true! the best part of this book is amaris, an island where uphill is boring and downhill is fun, and everything is fried food and blackberries and night markets. generally i was unprepared for how hungry this book would make me.
i was also unprepared for how...boring it would be? i don't know how this book managed to have vibrant world-building and genuinely humorous moments and still feel dry, but this never felt easy to pick up. there wasn't much of a plot to speak of, and what did exist moved in fits and starts, with deus ex machina and instalove and character non-development making up for the fact that this book is 99% description.
so. do with that what you will.
bottom line: pros and cons!
-----------------------
tbr review
you had me at "YA retelling of frankenstein in which the monster finds love"
(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)
i was also unprepared for how...boring it would be? i don't know how this book managed to have vibrant world-building and genuinely humorous moments and still feel dry, but this never felt easy to pick up. there wasn't much of a plot to speak of, and what did exist moved in fits and starts, with deus ex machina and instalove and character non-development making up for the fact that this book is 99% description.
so. do with that what you will.
bottom line: pros and cons!
-----------------------
tbr review
you had me at "YA retelling of frankenstein in which the monster finds love"
(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)
2024
October 9, 2025ANHPI TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Page Street YA
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Page Street YA
February 2, 2025
I received an ARC from Edelweiss
TW: light medical gore, surgery, car accident, animal cruelty (bird), gentrification, natural disaster
3.5
This is a weird one! On one hand, it's written really well, super quotable and easy to at the very least want to love, on the other hand.... not much happens.
As a take on Frankenstein, it does do some interesting things. I love that her creator is clearly deadbeat dad, I love that Helga is just a person, desperate for knowledge and love and freedom, and who was made without her personhood being considered. That is truly the core of Frankenstein, but seeing it in neon lights here makes it so much easier to fully see! I also appreciate that in her epic journey for love, we see all the answers she's trying to grab hold of, and that platonic love is given some serious respect.
Helga herself is a ton of fun. She's silly and teenaged and incredibly dramatic, and I liked spending time with her. I also thought the latent queerness added a nice touch to her personality.
But, again, the whole plot is very thin. We know we're in a strange new world, we know there's danger- but we get almost zero actual info. All tempting dangling for real, solid information is met with a brick wall. There's a lot that felt like it was leading somewhere, like something would get tied together and feel that much more complete, but it never does. Instead it's a bunch of random details, bread crumbs to nowhere.
And, maybe because of this lack of description of anything, or lack of a real plot, everything happens so easily. Beyond Helga's general search for love, there's no big obstacle. There's nothing to fight for. There's noting to push against. Her "father" is her biggest obstacle, and he's less of a present danger than he is a figurehead for danger.
TW: light medical gore, surgery, car accident, animal cruelty (bird), gentrification, natural disaster
3.5
This is a weird one! On one hand, it's written really well, super quotable and easy to at the very least want to love, on the other hand.... not much happens.
As a take on Frankenstein, it does do some interesting things. I love that her creator is clearly deadbeat dad, I love that Helga is just a person, desperate for knowledge and love and freedom, and who was made without her personhood being considered. That is truly the core of Frankenstein, but seeing it in neon lights here makes it so much easier to fully see! I also appreciate that in her epic journey for love, we see all the answers she's trying to grab hold of, and that platonic love is given some serious respect.
Helga herself is a ton of fun. She's silly and teenaged and incredibly dramatic, and I liked spending time with her. I also thought the latent queerness added a nice touch to her personality.
But, again, the whole plot is very thin. We know we're in a strange new world, we know there's danger- but we get almost zero actual info. All tempting dangling for real, solid information is met with a brick wall. There's a lot that felt like it was leading somewhere, like something would get tied together and feel that much more complete, but it never does. Instead it's a bunch of random details, bread crumbs to nowhere.
And, maybe because of this lack of description of anything, or lack of a real plot, everything happens so easily. Beyond Helga's general search for love, there's no big obstacle. There's nothing to fight for. There's noting to push against. Her "father" is her biggest obstacle, and he's less of a present danger than he is a figurehead for danger.
August 30, 2024
What better day to review a gender-bent take on Frankenstein than on Mary Shelley's birthday?
When I first received Helga, I was immediately drawn to the cover. I was even more excited when I discovered that it is a very punk take on Frankenstein - which remains one of the most influential works of literature in both the science fiction and horror circles.
Helga is a young adult novel about a girl who has been created by a man she refers to as Father. It reminded me of Poor Things (the book), but written for a younger audience. Helga is an unhinged female protagonist who, as soon as she is "born," rejects the name that Father has given her, and tells everyone that her name is Helga. This gave me heavy queer identity vibes, and I ate it up.
Helga sets off on an adventure to find her "soul mate," and ends up falling for an extremely pretentious teen boy named Clyde. This takes the reader on a whirlwind adventure through Helga's super fast experience of falling in love, being betrayed, and having to deal with a broken heart. The way Catherine Yu portrayed Helga as she experienced emotions for the first time (and with such intensity) was eye-opening, heartbreaking, and ultimately, healing.
Without giving too much away, things take a strange turn and there is a bit of body horror to consider. There is a lot of humor throughout the book as well as highlighting the beauty of found family. I felt that this book gave off vibes similar to those of Bunny by Mona Awad, and fans of her work will find a lot of enjoyment in Helga. Helga may very well be one of my favorite literary heroines now. Not to mention that she is described as being physically strong and as far away from "dainty" as one can get, and I was all for it!
When I first received Helga, I was immediately drawn to the cover. I was even more excited when I discovered that it is a very punk take on Frankenstein - which remains one of the most influential works of literature in both the science fiction and horror circles.
Helga is a young adult novel about a girl who has been created by a man she refers to as Father. It reminded me of Poor Things (the book), but written for a younger audience. Helga is an unhinged female protagonist who, as soon as she is "born," rejects the name that Father has given her, and tells everyone that her name is Helga. This gave me heavy queer identity vibes, and I ate it up.
Helga sets off on an adventure to find her "soul mate," and ends up falling for an extremely pretentious teen boy named Clyde. This takes the reader on a whirlwind adventure through Helga's super fast experience of falling in love, being betrayed, and having to deal with a broken heart. The way Catherine Yu portrayed Helga as she experienced emotions for the first time (and with such intensity) was eye-opening, heartbreaking, and ultimately, healing.
Without giving too much away, things take a strange turn and there is a bit of body horror to consider. There is a lot of humor throughout the book as well as highlighting the beauty of found family. I felt that this book gave off vibes similar to those of Bunny by Mona Awad, and fans of her work will find a lot of enjoyment in Helga. Helga may very well be one of my favorite literary heroines now. Not to mention that she is described as being physically strong and as far away from "dainty" as one can get, and I was all for it!
August 21, 2024
I thought this one was super interesting! I love the re-rise of Frankenstein literature and media, there’s so much potential. This book was definitely fast-paced and while it held hints of romance I would say this is a lot more worldview coming of age. Helga is rebelling. She’s discovering what the world is and all of its very peculiar quirks. The good people AND the bad people. I really enjoyed how we see her come to the end of the story and the journey she takes to get there!
Thank you tbrandbeyondtours and the author! Also Page Street YA
Thank you tbrandbeyondtours and the author! Also Page Street YA
August 10, 2024
3.5
"Father had wired himself a brand-new daughter."
A punk retelling of Poor Things meets Frankenstein (?), Helga is refreshing and colorful. The book is quite fast paced in making the FMC conscious with a major chunk of the book focused on her adventures in the City of Amaris. I really liked the overall world built by the author, even though it was on a small volcanic island. The concept of a bland Uphill and vibrant Downhill was very well executed too. Subliminal worldbuilding details of ravens, blackberries, matching tattoos, Venus flytraps and raven plushies added depth to the plot - THE FOOD ASSOCIATION was GORGEOUS. Though story wise, the book takes a completely different and insane direction, I actually preferred that choice by the author. Nothing in the blurb or the pitch could have prepared me for Clyde.
"That was the main problem with Clyde, anyways— his brain."
The second thing I really liked was how hilarious the book turned out to be. ("Can we add more Romanticism?” I asked her hopefully.")
Paralled with major daddy issues, the book successfully deals with quite heavy topics with a unique dark sense of humor. I liked how the author sprinkled a tiny bit of self love bordering on narcissism for Marietta! Another testament to the writing was the impeccable use of gore and body horror. PURE BLOODY FUN. The middle section of the book became my favourite for its humor and insane chaos. Amidst all this, the friendship that emerges was OUTSTANDING.
Despite thoroughly enjoying the book, there were some potholes that hampered my pleasure. The book transitions from a happening plot to an extremely preachy, boring, reformative story in a matter of seconds. It becomes a jack of many trades, master of none very quickly. For me, this defeated the edge this book initially possessed.
To this end, there is so much that it fails to explain. The Ravens?! The link to current world?!
Additionally, I absolutely hated Anna's arc and the insta-love. There was A LOT OF TIME to let it develop organically, but repetition of Downhill descriptions impeded on that page space.
Further, the decentralisation of cog technology was by far the worst solution Helga came up with, this entire interaction was quite off putting for me as a reader.
Overall, Helga turned out be a mixed bag of surprises for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience through and through, looking forward to more by this author.
"Father had wired himself a brand-new daughter."
A punk retelling of Poor Things meets Frankenstein (?), Helga is refreshing and colorful. The book is quite fast paced in making the FMC conscious with a major chunk of the book focused on her adventures in the City of Amaris. I really liked the overall world built by the author, even though it was on a small volcanic island. The concept of a bland Uphill and vibrant Downhill was very well executed too. Subliminal worldbuilding details of ravens, blackberries, matching tattoos, Venus flytraps and raven plushies added depth to the plot - THE FOOD ASSOCIATION was GORGEOUS. Though story wise, the book takes a completely different and insane direction, I actually preferred that choice by the author. Nothing in the blurb or the pitch could have prepared me for Clyde.
"That was the main problem with Clyde, anyways— his brain."
The second thing I really liked was how hilarious the book turned out to be. ("Can we add more Romanticism?” I asked her hopefully.")
Paralled with major daddy issues, the book successfully deals with quite heavy topics with a unique dark sense of humor. I liked how the author sprinkled a tiny bit of self love bordering on narcissism for Marietta! Another testament to the writing was the impeccable use of gore and body horror. PURE BLOODY FUN. The middle section of the book became my favourite for its humor and insane chaos. Amidst all this, the friendship that emerges was OUTSTANDING.
Despite thoroughly enjoying the book, there were some potholes that hampered my pleasure. The book transitions from a happening plot to an extremely preachy, boring, reformative story in a matter of seconds. It becomes a jack of many trades, master of none very quickly. For me, this defeated the edge this book initially possessed.
To this end, there is so much that it fails to explain. The Ravens?! The link to current world?!
Additionally, I absolutely hated Anna's arc and the insta-love. There was A LOT OF TIME to let it develop organically, but repetition of Downhill descriptions impeded on that page space.
Further, the decentralisation of cog technology was by far the worst solution Helga came up with, this entire interaction was quite off putting for me as a reader.
Overall, Helga turned out be a mixed bag of surprises for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience through and through, looking forward to more by this author.
July 11, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
The Frankenstein’s monster genre is booming. With Poor Things being such a popular movie, I could see other books taking these messages and playing around with it. This book was short and to the point and I enjoyed it. Helga learns the purpose of her birth and meets people both good and bad that help shape who she is. She’s rebelling against her father and learning what it means to be human and your own person. I didn’t really see the romance at the end. It felt forced. Helga never showed any interest at all and it seemed random. Other than that, it was a solid book.
I loved Penny. She and Helga doing marching tattoos made me go awwww. Anna was cool too but her whole character felt off? Like she was one way the whole book and she flipped at the end for convenience. I got vibes from Clyde at the beginning and he was way too annoying I would have thrown him in the trash. But you can’t really fault someone who’s been alive for like 2 days. I was also confused by their location. The sky was orange? And they weren’t in the states? And it seemed like some scientific version of magic in a way.
The Frankenstein’s monster genre is booming. With Poor Things being such a popular movie, I could see other books taking these messages and playing around with it. This book was short and to the point and I enjoyed it. Helga learns the purpose of her birth and meets people both good and bad that help shape who she is. She’s rebelling against her father and learning what it means to be human and your own person. I didn’t really see the romance at the end. It felt forced. Helga never showed any interest at all and it seemed random. Other than that, it was a solid book.
I loved Penny. She and Helga doing marching tattoos made me go awwww. Anna was cool too but her whole character felt off? Like she was one way the whole book and she flipped at the end for convenience. I got vibes from Clyde at the beginning and he was way too annoying I would have thrown him in the trash. But you can’t really fault someone who’s been alive for like 2 days. I was also confused by their location. The sky was orange? And they weren’t in the states? And it seemed like some scientific version of magic in a way.
July 15, 2024
This review was written pretty quickly so it's not as detailed as I would like, might edit one day when I have time(?)
This was a fun take on Frankenstein, and I loved Helga's character and how she grew throughout the book. Her relationship with Penny was also sweet, with Penny helping Helga learn and experience the world around her. Anna also seemed like a nice character who had the potential to be a cute romantic interest to Helga, but it unfortunately turned out feeling a little forced + underdeveloped.
I found the setting of Amaris City with its slightly dystopic environment to be really interesting and would love to explore it more. I just enjoyed reading about the city life, the food, and the contrast between Uphill and Downhill. Something about the near-futuristic aspect of it, I think.
Other things I enjoyed in 'Helga' were the writing, body horror, and the humour. Overall, I found it a fun, quick read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fun take on Frankenstein, and I loved Helga's character and how she grew throughout the book. Her relationship with Penny was also sweet, with Penny helping Helga learn and experience the world around her. Anna also seemed like a nice character who had the potential to be a cute romantic interest to Helga, but it unfortunately turned out feeling a little forced + underdeveloped.
I found the setting of Amaris City with its slightly dystopic environment to be really interesting and would love to explore it more. I just enjoyed reading about the city life, the food, and the contrast between Uphill and Downhill. Something about the near-futuristic aspect of it, I think.
Other things I enjoyed in 'Helga' were the writing, body horror, and the humour. Overall, I found it a fun, quick read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2024
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
I read Frankenstein in college and have been intrigued ever since. Helga does a great job at approaching the maker/parent relationship between Frankenstein and the Creature while giving a gender bent spin to it. We can see the raw emotions of wanting love and approval, of being abandoned and rejected, and how it feels in its most pure and emotional form. All the ways it mirrors parenthood only becomes more apparent with a teenage girl as the main character. When we see the reflections of the rhetoric of expecting obedience from our children, of putting our hopes and dreams on their shoulders, and trying to program them.
I read Frankenstein in college and have been intrigued ever since. Helga does a great job at approaching the maker/parent relationship between Frankenstein and the Creature while giving a gender bent spin to it. We can see the raw emotions of wanting love and approval, of being abandoned and rejected, and how it feels in its most pure and emotional form. All the ways it mirrors parenthood only becomes more apparent with a teenage girl as the main character. When we see the reflections of the rhetoric of expecting obedience from our children, of putting our hopes and dreams on their shoulders, and trying to program them.
November 18, 2024
Helga is a retelling of Frankenstein with a teen girl twist.
This book really missed the mark for me. It's fast paced but I was pretty bored throughout the book.
Many of the characters fall flat and just arent interesting.
If you like Frankenstein retellings this is a good book for you!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book really missed the mark for me. It's fast paced but I was pretty bored throughout the book.
Many of the characters fall flat and just arent interesting.
If you like Frankenstein retellings this is a good book for you!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 5, 2025
I love a good coming-of-age tale. Blend that with a modern punk rock retelling of Frankenstein, and you get Helga. She figures out the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of being a living, breathing teenage person. Light, fun, and fast-paced.
Want to read
November 30, 2023i was not expecting this cover from that pitch tbh
June 9, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and Page Street for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
"Helga" by Catherine Yu is a bold reimagining of the classic Frankenstein tale, blending elements of drama, comedy, and social commentary into a unique story. I love Frankenstein retellings, and I absolutely loved this book, mainly because of just how much of a badass Helga’s character is as well as the humor shown throughout the book. This is just a really fun book, and I really enjoyed it!
Set in the vibrant city of Amaris City, "Helga" follows the titular character, a reanimated creation of Dr. Marietta's science experiment. Helga, previously known as Marietta, quickly asserts her independence and sets out to explore the world around her. Yu skillfully shows Helga's curiosity and naivety, painting a vivid picture of her journey of self-discovery as she learns who she is as her own person while also struggling with the idea of being alone.
As Helga navigates the bustling city, she encounters various characters and experiences, including the charming but flawed Clyde. Their relationship unfolds rapidly, reflecting Helga's lack of understanding of human emotions and societal norms. There was a bit too much focus on romance in the first half, in my opinion, though it did fit with the original Frankenstein in wanting to not be alone and to have a companion. I liked the queer aspect in the book, especially towards the end.
Yu explores themes of class inequality and gentrification, highlighting the contrast between Uphill and Downhill, two distinct areas of Amaris City. I really enjoyed the incorporation of the social issues in the story, though the more serious themes involving gentrification disrupted the flow of the story and didn’t really seem to connect to Helga’s experiences at times. I feel like these points needed more development in the book. What I absolutely loved were the subtle hints about the environment, which showed that things weren’t quite right with Amaris City. Some things were more obvious (like fish growing feet) while others were a bit more subtle (like the color of the sky). I liked finding these little hints, which did end up contributing to the plot at the end.
Overall, “Helga” is a very fun and unique Frankenstein retelling. Yu's rich characterization and imaginative world-building shine through, offering you a fresh perspective on the Frankenstein mythos. With its blend of humor, drama, and social commentary, "Helga" is a thought-provoking read that has made me eager to read more from Yu.
"Helga" by Catherine Yu is a bold reimagining of the classic Frankenstein tale, blending elements of drama, comedy, and social commentary into a unique story. I love Frankenstein retellings, and I absolutely loved this book, mainly because of just how much of a badass Helga’s character is as well as the humor shown throughout the book. This is just a really fun book, and I really enjoyed it!
Set in the vibrant city of Amaris City, "Helga" follows the titular character, a reanimated creation of Dr. Marietta's science experiment. Helga, previously known as Marietta, quickly asserts her independence and sets out to explore the world around her. Yu skillfully shows Helga's curiosity and naivety, painting a vivid picture of her journey of self-discovery as she learns who she is as her own person while also struggling with the idea of being alone.
As Helga navigates the bustling city, she encounters various characters and experiences, including the charming but flawed Clyde. Their relationship unfolds rapidly, reflecting Helga's lack of understanding of human emotions and societal norms. There was a bit too much focus on romance in the first half, in my opinion, though it did fit with the original Frankenstein in wanting to not be alone and to have a companion. I liked the queer aspect in the book, especially towards the end.
Yu explores themes of class inequality and gentrification, highlighting the contrast between Uphill and Downhill, two distinct areas of Amaris City. I really enjoyed the incorporation of the social issues in the story, though the more serious themes involving gentrification disrupted the flow of the story and didn’t really seem to connect to Helga’s experiences at times. I feel like these points needed more development in the book. What I absolutely loved were the subtle hints about the environment, which showed that things weren’t quite right with Amaris City. Some things were more obvious (like fish growing feet) while others were a bit more subtle (like the color of the sky). I liked finding these little hints, which did end up contributing to the plot at the end.
Overall, “Helga” is a very fun and unique Frankenstein retelling. Yu's rich characterization and imaginative world-building shine through, offering you a fresh perspective on the Frankenstein mythos. With its blend of humor, drama, and social commentary, "Helga" is a thought-provoking read that has made me eager to read more from Yu.
October 22, 2024
I picked this up because one I was curious about it when I first saw it and two, I need a book that starts with "H" for an October Reading Challenge. I wasn't sure exactly what I was getting into, but it ended up being a solid read.
As the book opens, Helga awakens in a lab and is met by her "father" and his lab assistant Penny. Helga is part of an experimental program on the Asian Island, Amaris City. She quickly becomes acclimated to everything around her due to her "cog" programming which is whole reason her birth was such as a success. Amaris City is divided into two communities, the elite one and the poorer but more exciting one. Helgas wants to experience all the island has to offer but her father wants her to become his proper lab assistant and has some pretty intense rules she needs to follow - including the fact that he has named her Marietta and refuses to call her Helga. Obviously, Helga starts to rebel. She meets a boy named Clyde who is a loser from day one but has a typical "bad boy" quality. Even though things don't work out with Clyde, their "relationship" leads her to find her ultimate soulmate, even if she has to create him herself.
Helga shares a lot of social commentary on classism and societal expectations. Amaris Island is very quirky and its evident that the whole island has been negatively affected by the lab's experiments. I enjoyed seeing Helga experience the world and really loved the relationship she builds with Penny, who is also trying to find her way in life. And I dare to say the ending is perfect and sends a perfect message about classism, love and friendship.
At its core, Helga is also about found family, so if you enjoy that trope, you might want to check this one out. It really doesn't contain as much horror as I was hoping, but it still hit the mark and is one I would recommend if someone wants to experience a new take on an old classic.
As the book opens, Helga awakens in a lab and is met by her "father" and his lab assistant Penny. Helga is part of an experimental program on the Asian Island, Amaris City. She quickly becomes acclimated to everything around her due to her "cog" programming which is whole reason her birth was such as a success. Amaris City is divided into two communities, the elite one and the poorer but more exciting one. Helgas wants to experience all the island has to offer but her father wants her to become his proper lab assistant and has some pretty intense rules she needs to follow - including the fact that he has named her Marietta and refuses to call her Helga. Obviously, Helga starts to rebel. She meets a boy named Clyde who is a loser from day one but has a typical "bad boy" quality. Even though things don't work out with Clyde, their "relationship" leads her to find her ultimate soulmate, even if she has to create him herself.
Helga shares a lot of social commentary on classism and societal expectations. Amaris Island is very quirky and its evident that the whole island has been negatively affected by the lab's experiments. I enjoyed seeing Helga experience the world and really loved the relationship she builds with Penny, who is also trying to find her way in life. And I dare to say the ending is perfect and sends a perfect message about classism, love and friendship.
At its core, Helga is also about found family, so if you enjoy that trope, you might want to check this one out. It really doesn't contain as much horror as I was hoping, but it still hit the mark and is one I would recommend if someone wants to experience a new take on an old classic.
August 5, 2024
Huge thanks to NetGalley for this!
Catherine Yu's novel Helga is a gender bent Frankenstein retelling with a modern, teen girl twist. Helga wakes up and she's buff, she's new, and she's dying to see if there's more to life beyond the Institute and her Father's lab.
Frankenstein retellings are always so fascinating to me; there's so many different routes to take, different ideas and messages to share. Helga shares with us the human desire for connection and meaning, the impact of human pollution on the environment, and the separation of the rich and poor and the way gentrification can destroy the cultures it seeks to "update". While these are great ideas to share with a Frankenstein story, I found that each of these ideas weren't exactly explored evenly. Upon further thought, though, I reminded myself that these ideas are shown to us through a teenage girl's understanding and so it ended up making more sense in that light. I liked Helga's need for companionship, for someone to know her. That's such a human feeling.
The setting of Amaris was so interesting, from the radioactive animals scattered around to the unique differences in life styles between the upper and lower class. I would have loved more of a look at the environmental side of things. I really liked how the humor and body horror seemed to work well together and went hand in hand. It was fun, creative, and I think it handled a teen girl trying to find meaning in her new and sudden life fairly well. There were really only two characters I cared for; Helga and her father's lab assistant, Penny. I felt like most other characters fell rather flat. Perhaps that was the point, though, and it didn't take too much away from the experience.
Catherine Yu's novel Helga is a gender bent Frankenstein retelling with a modern, teen girl twist. Helga wakes up and she's buff, she's new, and she's dying to see if there's more to life beyond the Institute and her Father's lab.
Frankenstein retellings are always so fascinating to me; there's so many different routes to take, different ideas and messages to share. Helga shares with us the human desire for connection and meaning, the impact of human pollution on the environment, and the separation of the rich and poor and the way gentrification can destroy the cultures it seeks to "update". While these are great ideas to share with a Frankenstein story, I found that each of these ideas weren't exactly explored evenly. Upon further thought, though, I reminded myself that these ideas are shown to us through a teenage girl's understanding and so it ended up making more sense in that light. I liked Helga's need for companionship, for someone to know her. That's such a human feeling.
The setting of Amaris was so interesting, from the radioactive animals scattered around to the unique differences in life styles between the upper and lower class. I would have loved more of a look at the environmental side of things. I really liked how the humor and body horror seemed to work well together and went hand in hand. It was fun, creative, and I think it handled a teen girl trying to find meaning in her new and sudden life fairly well. There were really only two characters I cared for; Helga and her father's lab assistant, Penny. I felt like most other characters fell rather flat. Perhaps that was the point, though, and it didn't take too much away from the experience.
August 23, 2024
In this modern take on "Frankenstein," Helga embarks on a journey of discovery and unravels long-hidden secrets that will change her world forever.
Marietta, also known as Helga, was created by her father, The Doctor, to be his obedient lab assistant. However, Helga does not want this; she desires to explore Amaris Island and live as her true self. When her father goes on a business trip, Helga sees an opportunity to break free. During her time on the island, she discovers things she loves, including a boy named Clyde. Eventually, Penelope, also known as Penny, her father's assistant, finds Helga and helps her understand the true meaning of love and respect, showing her that things are not always as they appear.
This book was absolutely captivating, filled with compelling characters and unexpected plot twists. The theme of respect and acceptance was intricately woven into the story, offering a powerful message. Additionally, the book fearlessly delved into the challenging topics of debt and the need for recognition for one's hard work.
Helga emerges as a tenacious character, undergoing significant growth that truly endears her to the reader. Conversely, Helga's father, The Doctor, fails to undergo substantial character development, leaving a feeling of missed opportunity in his portrayal.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a modern take on classic stories, strong character development, and thought-provoking themes. It's a compelling read for those interested in stories of self-discovery, relationships, and the pursuit of true identity.
Happy Reading, Paige ❤️ 📚
Thank you, @tbrbeyondtours & @pagestreetya for sending me a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Marietta, also known as Helga, was created by her father, The Doctor, to be his obedient lab assistant. However, Helga does not want this; she desires to explore Amaris Island and live as her true self. When her father goes on a business trip, Helga sees an opportunity to break free. During her time on the island, she discovers things she loves, including a boy named Clyde. Eventually, Penelope, also known as Penny, her father's assistant, finds Helga and helps her understand the true meaning of love and respect, showing her that things are not always as they appear.
This book was absolutely captivating, filled with compelling characters and unexpected plot twists. The theme of respect and acceptance was intricately woven into the story, offering a powerful message. Additionally, the book fearlessly delved into the challenging topics of debt and the need for recognition for one's hard work.
Helga emerges as a tenacious character, undergoing significant growth that truly endears her to the reader. Conversely, Helga's father, The Doctor, fails to undergo substantial character development, leaving a feeling of missed opportunity in his portrayal.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a modern take on classic stories, strong character development, and thought-provoking themes. It's a compelling read for those interested in stories of self-discovery, relationships, and the pursuit of true identity.
Happy Reading, Paige ❤️ 📚
Thank you, @tbrbeyondtours & @pagestreetya for sending me a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 8, 2024
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🧟♀️ love Frankenstein retellings
🌋 live near a deadly volcano
⚙️ have a cog for a brain
😏 are the rebellious type
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Helga is not the obedient science experiment her father intended. And though she has only just awoken, he leaves her in the care of his lab assistant Penny to go on a business trip.
Bursting with curiosity, Helga quickly escapes from the well-meaning Penny and heads into Amaris City. There Helga finds she is as untamable as the invasive blackberry vines overtaking the island. And because of the misdeeds of her father’s scientific community, the natural world grows more volatile.
Helga soon discovers the night market, rowdy clubs, delicious food, and cute boys. Enamored with city life, she’ll do anything to find love―but she has only two weeks until her father gets back, and besides there are ominous rumblings from the volcanic island that could put her dating schemes, and even her own life, in grave peril.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was a cute and quick YA read about a teen girl who is created in the fashion of Frankenstein’s monster. Instead of a brain though, she has a Cog, or a computer that helps her take in the world around her at a much faster rate. I loved getting to know Helga and how rebellious she was right from the start. It was nice to see how “human” she really was. This story also plays on a lot of heavy topics - pollution, the discrepancy between the poor and the rich, and more. I enjoyed getting to see them all through Helga’s perspective!
🧟♀️ love Frankenstein retellings
🌋 live near a deadly volcano
⚙️ have a cog for a brain
😏 are the rebellious type
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Helga is not the obedient science experiment her father intended. And though she has only just awoken, he leaves her in the care of his lab assistant Penny to go on a business trip.
Bursting with curiosity, Helga quickly escapes from the well-meaning Penny and heads into Amaris City. There Helga finds she is as untamable as the invasive blackberry vines overtaking the island. And because of the misdeeds of her father’s scientific community, the natural world grows more volatile.
Helga soon discovers the night market, rowdy clubs, delicious food, and cute boys. Enamored with city life, she’ll do anything to find love―but she has only two weeks until her father gets back, and besides there are ominous rumblings from the volcanic island that could put her dating schemes, and even her own life, in grave peril.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was a cute and quick YA read about a teen girl who is created in the fashion of Frankenstein’s monster. Instead of a brain though, she has a Cog, or a computer that helps her take in the world around her at a much faster rate. I loved getting to know Helga and how rebellious she was right from the start. It was nice to see how “human” she really was. This story also plays on a lot of heavy topics - pollution, the discrepancy between the poor and the rich, and more. I enjoyed getting to see them all through Helga’s perspective!
August 20, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Page Street Publishing for the eARC!
I quite liked this book but do not think it fulfilled the potential of its premise.
Helga herself is such a great character and I loved her confidence and attitude. Having the 'Frankenstein's monster' be a teenage girl was such an inventive twist on an old tale. I just wish we had done more. The most brilliant part of the book to me was Helga trying to create her 'soul mate' and failing before realizing that she was emulating her 'father' in all the wrong ways. I just wish that there were more interactions between Helga and her 'father'. He felt far too flat and was nothing more than a cartoonish mad scientist villain. It seemed fairly obvious from the beginning that he would never learn and grow to be a better father. I feel it would have been more compelling to give him some nuance and make the relationship between him and Helga more complicated. The book was going for themes of toxic parent/child relationships and that you can find others who will love you outside of your family. Except, there was no subtlety to how the themes were presented and Helga's inner monologue would literally hit us over the head with the supposed 'lessons' we should learn. (And she would learn those lessons and then two seconds later would forget she had. I get she's a week old but come on.)
That being said, the highlight of the book was the sisterly bond between Helga and Penny. I am here for representations of women supporting women.
I quite liked this book but do not think it fulfilled the potential of its premise.
Helga herself is such a great character and I loved her confidence and attitude. Having the 'Frankenstein's monster' be a teenage girl was such an inventive twist on an old tale. I just wish we had done more. The most brilliant part of the book to me was Helga trying to create her 'soul mate' and failing before realizing that she was emulating her 'father' in all the wrong ways. I just wish that there were more interactions between Helga and her 'father'. He felt far too flat and was nothing more than a cartoonish mad scientist villain. It seemed fairly obvious from the beginning that he would never learn and grow to be a better father. I feel it would have been more compelling to give him some nuance and make the relationship between him and Helga more complicated. The book was going for themes of toxic parent/child relationships and that you can find others who will love you outside of your family. Except, there was no subtlety to how the themes were presented and Helga's inner monologue would literally hit us over the head with the supposed 'lessons' we should learn. (And she would learn those lessons and then two seconds later would forget she had. I get she's a week old but come on.)
That being said, the highlight of the book was the sisterly bond between Helga and Penny. I am here for representations of women supporting women.
August 22, 2024
Ever wonder what Frankenstein would be like if the doctor’s creation were a teenager? Wonder no more!
Marietta, or as she prefers to be known, Helga, just wants to be loved and accepted for who she is. It's not her fault that she was only born a few days ago. With the help of her father's lab assistant, Penny, she tries to figure out the turbulent life of a teen, boys (girls), friends, and belonging.
Helga is a wonderfully deep character that encompasses all of the existentialism that Adam does in Shelley's Frankenstein and teenage angst one would expect from a coming of age young adult story. My one complaint is that the love interest felt a little like an afterthought with very little build up, but that didn't affect my enjoyment of the book overall.
This was an enthusiastic 4🌟 for me. Catherine Yu breathed new life into an old story and made me love her creation the way it deserves to be loved.
Thank you to @tbrbeyondtours and @catherineyuwrites for providing me a copy. My review is my own.
August 1, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
The Frankenstein genre is definitely having a moment, especially with the success of Poor Things. This book taps into that trend with a concise and engaging narrative. Helga discovers the purpose behind her creation and encounters a range of characters—both good and bad—that influence her development. Her struggle to rebel against her father and understand her humanity is central to the story. However, I felt the romance at the end was somewhat forced; it seemed abrupt and out of place, as Helga hadn’t shown any prior interest.
I was charmed by Penny, especially the scenes where she and Helga shared marching tattoos—it was a sweet touch. Anna was intriguing, but her character felt inconsistent, changing abruptly at the end for plot convenience. Clyde started off annoying, but given his short lifespan, I can’t be too harsh. The setting was a bit confusing, too—an orange sky and a location that wasn’t quite clear, with elements that felt like a blend of science and magic. Overall, despite these quirks, it was a solid and enjoyable read.
The Frankenstein genre is definitely having a moment, especially with the success of Poor Things. This book taps into that trend with a concise and engaging narrative. Helga discovers the purpose behind her creation and encounters a range of characters—both good and bad—that influence her development. Her struggle to rebel against her father and understand her humanity is central to the story. However, I felt the romance at the end was somewhat forced; it seemed abrupt and out of place, as Helga hadn’t shown any prior interest.
I was charmed by Penny, especially the scenes where she and Helga shared marching tattoos—it was a sweet touch. Anna was intriguing, but her character felt inconsistent, changing abruptly at the end for plot convenience. Clyde started off annoying, but given his short lifespan, I can’t be too harsh. The setting was a bit confusing, too—an orange sky and a location that wasn’t quite clear, with elements that felt like a blend of science and magic. Overall, despite these quirks, it was a solid and enjoyable read.
August 19, 2024
Helga is one of my new favorite characters! She’s a normal, petulant teenager: she’s overfilled with confidence; she just wants to have a good time; she struggles with meeting her Father’s expectations. Except she was born in a lab, and in place of a brain, she has a “cog”. In this “gender-bent Frankenstein retelling,” Marietta (who will rename herself Helga) is the science experiment brought to life by “the Institute’s” smartest doctor.
Humbleness was probably not a trait programmed for Helga. ("𝙄 𝙨𝙖𝙬 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙜𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙨 𝙙𝙤𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩. 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙤 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡.") But all she’s looking for is someone to love her and accept her for who she is. I was rooting for her the entire time, while laughing out loud at her quirkiness and sometimes flawed line of thinking. I love that she didn’t conform to her father’s expectations, and she didn’t accept less than that in love, either.
If you’re looking for a feel-good, fun, quirky tale, this is the perfect read for you. This is YA, and with all the positive, affirming messages this sends, it’s perfect for young readers especially. But it’s an easy read and a great reminder for anyone, really!
Humbleness was probably not a trait programmed for Helga. ("𝙄 𝙨𝙖𝙬 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙜𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙨 𝙙𝙤𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩. 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙤 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡.") But all she’s looking for is someone to love her and accept her for who she is. I was rooting for her the entire time, while laughing out loud at her quirkiness and sometimes flawed line of thinking. I love that she didn’t conform to her father’s expectations, and she didn’t accept less than that in love, either.
If you’re looking for a feel-good, fun, quirky tale, this is the perfect read for you. This is YA, and with all the positive, affirming messages this sends, it’s perfect for young readers especially. But it’s an easy read and a great reminder for anyone, really!
July 8, 2025
The doctor creates Marietta in his lab, but once she awakens she doesn’t feel like a Marietta. Renaming herself Helga, she discovers her “father” doesn’t truly understand her, or care to. She is just an experiment to him. When she overhears information about the doctor’s next steps for her, she escapes from the institute in search of more. She wants to find her place in Amaris, a small island, and doesn’t feel like being “uphill” is for her. “Downhill,” which appears more inviting and cool, is where she heads, in search of a soul mate. With the doctor’s lab assistant Penny following her, she meets Clyde, a charming so-called musician in search of ways to make money. When he hears that Helga is from the institute, he creates a plan that could destroy Helga’s own dream of freedom.
Not quite what I hoped for. I liked Helga herself and the setting of Amaris, but I needed more.
Not quite what I hoped for. I liked Helga herself and the setting of Amaris, but I needed more.
August 21, 2024
Being a teenage girl is hard enough, being a teenage girl who was created as a science experience out of a laboratory is a whole new level of difficult. And as a mom of three teens/tweens girls, I would not want to parent this situation with a ten foot pole…but I will happily read this book! Helga is a truly beautiful and brilliant recrafting of Frankenstein’s monster but with a modern teenager twist. Catherine Yu flawlessly weaves in so many coming of age themes that will resonate with young adult readers (or those who happen to enjoy this genre) but with an absolutely delightful sci-fi twist and a dabble of the macabre. Helga is ripe with such delicious layers and reading it was absolutely reminiscent of youthful angst and as suspenseful as waiting for a volcano to erupt!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
August 24, 2024
👧🏻reviews: this is a different type of story that screamed Frankenstein, Lucy movie and more. Marietta is a force to reckon with while her father or her creator, created her so that she could assist him in his laboratory. Marietta is feisty, naughty, new world, curious and human-like as much as she can while she changed her name Helga. I like how the story flowed while Marietta or Helga moved through her life while driving poor Penny crazy. It’s a bit of humorous, thrilling and some light romance. I would be so freaked out if the world seriously created a Helga in our society. What do you think?
September 3, 2024
Hell is a teenage girl x Frankenstein
A really good modern twist on Frankenstein where the monster is a girl who names herself Helga. She awakens and wants to live like any other teenage girl would but her father, the doctor, wont allow it. With a little help from the lab assistant, Penny, she is able to escape to a different part of the island. Helga soon finds a cute emo DJ boy, food vendors at a night market, grunge music, and ripped tights and never wants to leave. Her father and the institute have other plans for their beloved project.
This is a very light horror with cozy scifi elements and includes found family. It is the perfect transition book for summer -> fall.
A really good modern twist on Frankenstein where the monster is a girl who names herself Helga. She awakens and wants to live like any other teenage girl would but her father, the doctor, wont allow it. With a little help from the lab assistant, Penny, she is able to escape to a different part of the island. Helga soon finds a cute emo DJ boy, food vendors at a night market, grunge music, and ripped tights and never wants to leave. Her father and the institute have other plans for their beloved project.
This is a very light horror with cozy scifi elements and includes found family. It is the perfect transition book for summer -> fall.
May 17, 2024
EXCERPT: "Reanimation of a human being is certainly a timeless concept, and to her credit, Yu brings her own rich vision to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Still, it’s evident that there’s quite a lot of experimentation going on — not just in the story itself, but in the very way it’s structured and plotted. And as is the nature of experimentation, there’s bound to be some muddled parts where one just won’t be able to achieve strong findings."
Full review published online at Asia Blooming (asiablooming.com).
Full review published online at Asia Blooming (asiablooming.com).
August 28, 2024
SLAYED. fresh, funny, and emotional, this novel is the best kind of retelling - one that uses the themes of the original to create something new and perfect for today. Helga herself was the perfect blunt, hilarious narrator for this book about science, capitalism, the climate, daughterhood, friendship, and just the crazy rollercoaster of life as a teenage girl. all this is to say, stop sleeping on this book!
June 25, 2024
thanks to netgalley for a free arc of this title! catherine yu has really come a long way from her previous ya horror, and helga is a treat for those who like a subverted frankenstein narrative. leaning into some of the more humorous elements is what helped this novel shine, and i found that the world building, even in such a small, condensed world, was pretty well done.
January 10, 2025
This book was actually a 3.5 for me. I felt some themes in the book weren't as well written or as fleshed out as they could be but the characters are sweet, even though some are a bit flat and the world seemed nice to explore.
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